Air Bag Safety Precautions

Observe following precautions when working on air bag system:

• Back-up power supply maintains deployment voltage for about 2 minutes after battery is disconnected. When disabling air bag system, always wait at least 2 minutes after disconnecting battery cables to resume procedure.
• When working around steering column components and before any repairs are performed, disable air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM  .
• Before straightening any damage to body, or before performing electrical arc-welding, disable air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM  .
• Always wear safety glasses and gloves when handling a deployed air bag module. Air bag module may contain sodium hydroxide deposits which are irritating to the skin.
• DO NOT repair any portion of air bag system.
• Always handle air bag module with trim cover away from your body. Always place air bag module on workbench with trim cover up, away from loose objects.
• The driver-side and passenger-side air bag module must be stored in its original, special container until used for service, in a clean, dry environment away from sources of extreme heat, sparks, and high electrical energy.
• DO NOT expose any SRS component to temperatures in excess of 200 F (93 C), or to cleaning agents such as solvents, gasoline, lye, etc.
• Replace air bag system components with parts specified by DaimlerChrysler. Substitute parts may appear interchangeable, but internal differences may result in inferior occupant protection.
• Fasteners, screws, and bolts originally used for air bag system components have special coatings and are specifically designed for air bag system. Never replace with substitutes, always use correct fasteners provided in service package or specified in DaimlerChrysler Parts Catalog.